Pregnancy Fatigue

Pregnancy fatigue is a real and often times troublesome condition, usually during the first trimester of pregnancy and the third trimester. Many women, especially during the first trimester try to ignore this symptom, thinking it is silly and if they just keep moving the feeling will pass. It is very important to listen to your body and take its cues that you need more rest during this time.

Causes of fatigue during the early months

During the early months of pregnancy, the body produces more blood to carry nutrients to the baby. This requires more work for the whole body, heart and organs. Your body also produces more of a hormone called progesterone. This can make you feel more tired. It also changes the way it processes all the food and nutrients you eat. All these changes are stressful on the body and can cause fatigue.

Causes of fatigue during the later months

During the last few months of pregnancy or what is called the third trimester several changes may occur that makes you feel tired besides the additional weight that taxes your body's strength. A few of these changes are:

• Difficulty sleeping.
• The need to urinate more often during the night.
• Heartburn.
• Pelvic and hip pain.
• Cramps in the legs and sides from the expanding abdomen.
• Water retention.

The physical and psychological changes during pregnancy can be stressful mentally and emotionally as well. This is why you may find yourself crying for what seems like no reason. This extra stress can add to your feelings of fatigue.

Other reasons for pregnancy fatigue

Another reason for fatigue can be a symptom of anemia, particularly iron deficiency anemia, which affects about half of all pregnant women. Your need for iron increases during pregnancy because of the baby's needs, the increase in blood the body has to produce and the blood loss that accrues during delivery. So it is important to talk to your health care provider, because where some tiredness is normal during the pregnancy, especially during the first and third trimester, it is very important to make sure it is nothing more serious. A few women feel tired throughout their pregnancy.

What can your Do?

Some of the things you can do to help you avoid or lessen excessive fatigue during pregnancy, after seeing your health provider to rule out anything serious or abnormal:

• Take plenty of naps and rest when you can during the day. At work take frequent breaks and put your feet up as much as possible.
• Get enough sleep; this may require going to bed earlier then usual.
• Drink plenty of water. Lack of fluids can contribute to fatigue, but avoid drinking anything for two to three hours before bedtime to cut down on bathroom runs.
• Be sure to avoid eating your last meal several hours before lying down and avoid heavy, spicy food to cut bake on heartburn.
• Do gentle stretches of your muscles before bedtime this may help you avoid nighttime cramping.
• After checking with your health care provider and getting approval, get plenty of exercise everyday for at least 30 minutes. Even moderate exercise like walking, can increase your energy levels and lift your spirits. Water aerobics are another good form of exercise because it does not tax your joints.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help.
• Eat a balanced diet. During your pregnancy is not the time to go on a diet, but it is the time to eat healthy. Get plenty fluids, protein, and fiber.
• Take a prenatal vitamin and iron supplement if recommended by your health care provider.

Remember when you are feeling fatigue, it is your body’s way of telling you to slow down. So listen to your body and have a healthy pregnancy.

Extreme fatigue is common among pregnant women. Most expecting mothers will experience some fatigue. However, the degree varies. On average, the first few months of pregnancy result in noticeable fatigue, as most women experience mild-flu like symptoms. Unfortunately, because of an increase in hormones, some women must deal with fatigue during their entire pregnancy. The tiredness disrupts their lives and prevents many from working. However, there are tips to help expecting mothers cope with fatigue.

Eating Right

Eating properly is essential for increased energy and strength. Women who experience food cravings are likely to consume an excessive amount of junk foods and sugary foods. These foods are proven to rob the body of energy. They may produce an immediate “sugar high,” which is characterized as a burst of energy. However, once these foods are absorbed, expecting mothers may feel tired and sluggish.

Exercise

Mild exercise is also a great way for pregnant women to boost their energy. Understandably, exercise is likely the last thing an expecting mother may feel like doing. However, the results are wonderful. Small workouts three to five times a week will increase the body’s metabolism, which may increase energy. Exercise may consist of walking, swimming, Pilates, or mild aerobics.

Proper Rest

Enjoying short naps throughout the day will help an expecting mother manage fatigue. Stay-at-home moms may take a quick nap while other children are sleeping, whereas working mothers may enjoy a quick 15 or 20 minute snooze during her lunch break. Additionally, expecting mothers need to listen to their body. Women have the tendency to overdo it while pregnant. However, there is nothing wrong with putting off household chores for needed rest.

Lack of Iron

Additionally, some expecting mothers experience extreme fatigue because of an iron deficiency or anemia. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, feeling cold, and headaches. This problem can be easily remedied by taking an iron supplement. Obstetricians will likely suggest prenatal vitamins that contain the right amount of iron dosage for pregnant women.